Fall Off The Log

Named after Frankie Manning, Ask For Frankie is an initiative by the Aberdeen University Swing Dance Society that allows dancers in distress to discreetly ask for help. If you are ever in need of help at any events or classes and don’t know what to do, you are not on your own. Just go to one of our committee members and ask for Frankie. We are always here to help no matter what the reason, whether it’s someone making you feel uncomfortable or just that you are feeling unwell.

‘No’ Means ‘No’

If someone does not want to dance with you, accept this. They have the right to refuse a dance and do not owe you an explanation. Also, be respectful of their chosen role (lead/follow). If they are flexible that’s great, but do not pressure anyone to take on a role they do not want to.

Be Respectful of Others and Yourself

Our society is open to everyone, regardless of age, gender/gender identity, race, nationality, sexual orientation, dance experience, preferred role and so on. This is not just about ‘tolerating,’ but about welcoming anyone and everyone. Any form of bullying/harassment/discrimination will not be tolerated. We do not tolerate any form of sexist, racist, transphobic, homophobic, ableist or other discriminatory language.

Do not let yourself be pressured into dancing with someone you do not want to dance with. You have the right to refuse and do not owe them an explanation. Also, do not let yourself be pressured to take on a role you do not wish to take on or do high-risk moves you are not comfortable with. However, when you refuse, try to be polite about it.

In a class context, the expectation is that all dancers will rotate. However, if you have serious issues with an individual(s), please come and talk to a committee member or report the individual(s) through the Ask For Frankie policy so that we can try to resolve the issue.

Avoid Gendered Language

Always use the terms ‘lead’ and ‘follow’ and gender-neutral pronouns. Everyone is free to choose whether they lead or follow, regardless of their gender.

Communicate with your Partner

Be sure to know which role they want to take on, or let them know which role you want to take on. If you are injured, tell your partner. If your partner is injured, bear that in mind when dancing. Only perform dips and aerials with explicit verbal consent from your partner. Do not perform aerials on social dance floors, as the risk of collision and injury is high.

Personal Space

Respect people’s requests concerning personal space. Do not touch without asking and give other dancers space when they need it. If you want to dance in close embrace, ask your partner if they are comfortable with it. If you are not comfortable with dancing in close embrace with someone, let them know and do not be pressured into doing so.

Be Safe

To avoid accidents, pay attention to your surroundings and adjust your dancing to the amount of space you have. Be careful when dancing near electrical equipment, tables, lights, etc. 

Aerials, lifts, flips, and drops are not the best moves to pull on a social dance floor. At jams or comps, however, feel free to show us what you got (with your partner’s consent, of course)! If you do want to perform a potentially risky move, make sure both you and your partner know what you are doing.

Giving Feedback

Feedback is only acceptable when explicitly asked for by your partner or explicitly encouraged by teachers. When you have known your partner for a long time and know that feedback will be welcomed, you may give them feedback, but be sure to confirm with them first, for example “may I make a suggestion?”. Additionally, feedback must be given if you, your partner or both are in danger.

Signposting

A short version of the Community Guidelines are available within our WhatsApp group (incorporated into the community guidelines). The full policy can be viewed on the Linktree found on our Instagram account, and is a part of the terms and conditions of gaining membership through the AUSA website.